Reds manager Bryan Price was not surprised to see the Reds play with more vigor on Tuesday after he criticized them for their effort Monday.

"I think way too much was made of it," Price said. "All I was saying is we played a lot better games and our head wasn't in the game. That's the fact. We didn't show up and play our best game. The only thing that was missing was our energy. That's something that showed up every game for us this year. That was disappointing. But I didn't anticipate it was going to be any thing more than a blip on the radar."

ALL-STAR PETE: Cleveland manager Terry Francona, who played for Pete Rose in the 1987, would like to see Rose be a big part of the 2015 All-Star Game in Cincinnati.

"I wish there was something resolved about Pete," Francona said. "That would be cool, a good coming-out party. I'm biased. I really love Pete. Down deep every body knows Pete loves the game. That would be something."

Commissioner Bud Selig has said Rose, who is banned for life, will be allowed to take part in the All-Star Game festivities.

PHILLIPS UPDATE: Brandon Phillips continues to progress from the left thumb injury that required surgery.

"He's doing a lot of running," Price said. "He's in there working with the trainers every day, but he's also doing baseball activity. He's able to do everything except hit ... I couldn't give you a date on when he's going to start swinging the bat. I don't think it's that far away."

"Then, of course, the next thing is when he swings the bat is how long it will take him to get comfortable and then face live pitching and get ready to rejoin us. It's still a little ways off, but perhaps not as far as we had initially thought."

Phillips was originally expected to miss six weeks. That would him have him returning Aug. 22. Phillips will go on a minor league rehab assignment.

"He'll have to go play somewhere," Price said. "It's a surgery and it's five- to six-week recover period. That's a long time away from the game without seeing live pitching."

ONDRUSEK UPDATE: Right-hander Logan Ondrusek threw his first bullpen session since going on the disabled list July 22 with a sore right shoulder.

"He was very impressive," Price said. "I imagine he'll throw another bullpen – probably Friday or Saturday. Then we'll reassess. He's not so far removed from competition that he's going to need an extended rehab. We'll have to decide whether he'll do a rehab outing or two."